Have you ever wondered if the energy-savings tips you’ve heard over the years were really true? Well, it’s time to put the energy-savings myths to rest so that you know, once and for all, which actions you take around the house are worth the effort and will garner the right kind of results: more money in your pocket and a lower carbon footprint.

Here are some energy-savings myths you may have thought were true:

• Myth: Installing an efficiency HVAC system will immediately lower energy bills. This point is true to a degree; however, no matter how efficient a new system is, if you install it without first lowering your heating/cooling load, or if the unit isn’t sized and installed correctly, the system won’t perform to its potential.
• Myth: It’s an acceptable practice to fix ductwork with duct tape. Aside from using the same word, ductwork and duct tape have nothing in common — and the tape should never be used to fix ductwork, as it’s not designed to adhere to metal or fiberglass, and its adhesive backing will loosen quickly.
• Myth: When I turn off an appliance or device, it doesn’t draw power anymore. Many types of appliances and electronic equipment draw what is called standby power if the device is still plugged in, including DVD players, cell phone chargers, MP3 players and more.
• Myth: Using foam gaskets behind electrical outlets will garner big savings. While foam gaskets will stop air leaks and energy loss behind outlets, if this is the only action you take to seal air leaks, it won’t amount to much. But as part of a whole-house effort to seal air leaks, it’s a step in the right direction.

There’s no shame in discovering that you were perhaps following energy-saving myths, when indeed you thought they were tried-and-true methods. Now that you know the truth, put the right tips into action for savings. If you’d like more expert advice about energy savings or home efficiency, contact Smoky Mountain Heating & Air today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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